Moving On by Jennii Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

HE did to her. It was HIS fault and all men were the same .
    She swallowed the painkillers and sipped at her coffee. “So, how are things with Andy?” asked Clare. “Is everything still ok?”
    “Yes we’re both happy. Things are as good as can be expected. I have my bad days but generally we’re pretty good.”
    “I’m glad you’re happy” said Clare. “He’s lucky you gave him another chance after what happened. I take it he won’t be going on any more business conferences for a while”
    “I trust him Clare” said Donna. “He’s learnt his lesson and I know he won’t do it again”
    “I hope not” replied Clare. “For his sake! I don’t know how you were able to forgive him but as long as you’re happy”
    “I am” said Donna with a wry smile. “Now, show me that gorgeous pair of shoes you bought”
    They chatted and gossiped for another 30 minutes or so before leaving. Clare’s ankles were feeling a bit better now: the painkillers were working their magic . They stepped out into the busy street and as they did so Clare’s ankle finally gave way . The heels had proved too much for her and she lunged awkwardly out into the road. The pain shot up her leg on the way to her brain to be joined by another sudden jolt as something gave way in her lower back. Clare screamed as she fell: her bags fell to the ground before her, giving her a slight cushion as she slammed into the hard concrete. Donna rushed over to help her up. “Oh darling!” cried Donna. “Are you ok?” It was a stupid question really but we all say it at the most ridiculous of times. A young man rushed over to help the tall, slim, injured shopper which, for Clare, only made matters worse. “I’m ok. I don’t need any help from you” she shouted at the young man as though it was his fault she had fallen. Donna turned to the startled, confused young man and said “Thank you for offering to help but I can manage” The young man looked hurt at Clare’s refusal of his assistance. “Err, ok. If you’re sure” he replied as Donna helped Clare to her feet. Clare was in a lot of pain. Sure, her ankle hurt but her back was really complaining. She could barely stand. Donna turned to the young man and said “Could you call us a taxi?”
    “Sure, no problem” he replied and scanned the street for a black cab. Instantly he spotted one and hailed it down. The cab pulled up next to Clare and Donna and the young man opened the door for them as Donna helped Clare into the cab. As she did so the young man gathered their shopping bags and handbags and passed them to Donna in the waiting cab. “I hope you feel better soon” he said to Clare. She ignored him, the pain was all she could think about but Donna thanked the young man for his help. He closed the door and the cab sped off into the manic London traffic heading for Liverpool Street train station and home.
     
    Chapter 2
     
    After a difficult and painful journey home Clare was forced to rest for a day or two. She had no choice, the pain in her back was excruciating and incapacitating. She called the salon to tell them what had happened and could they call her clients and let them know that she wouldn’t be able to see them for a couple of days. She didn’t like doing this but she really had no choice. She managed to get herself to the doctors for her appointment where the doctor promptly informed Clare that she had hurt her back quite badly but there would be no permanent damage. She gave her stronger painkillers and recommended two weeks off work and treatment from a chiropractor. Clare had visited a chiropractor in the past when she hurt herself playing tennis. She remembered the treatment had been effective and made a mental note to make an appointment. On the way home she called her chiropractor to make an appointment only to be told that they were fully booked up for the next three weeks due to holidays and the fact that one of the practitioners was away getting married.